U.S. patent application number 16/893121 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for atmosphere and or atmosphere composition control in vacuum chamber method, system, and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Riplelocker LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Riplelocker LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew B. Harrah, Eric Levi, G. Kyle Lobisser, George Frank Lobisser, David Shock.
Application Number | 20200385205 16/893121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004903029 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200385205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lobisser; George Frank ; et
al. |
December 10, 2020 |
ATMOSPHERE AND OR ATMOSPHERE COMPOSITION CONTROL IN VACUUM CHAMBER
METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS
Abstract
Methods, apparatus, and system to manage an atmosphere and/or an
antimicrobial inside a vacuum chamber or container, including via
at least one of valves, sensors, manifold, antimicrobial delivery
unit, antimicrobial sachet, vacuum pump, and an atmosphere
control.
Inventors: |
Lobisser; George Frank;
(Bainbridge Island, WA) ; Lobisser; G. Kyle;
(Bainbridge Island, WA) ; Harrah; Andrew B.;
(Bainbridge Island, WA) ; Levi; Eric; (Bainbridge
Island, WA) ; Shock; David; (Bainbridge Island,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Riplelocker LLC |
Bainbridge Island |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Riplelocker LLC
Bainbridge Island
WA
|
Family ID: |
1000004903029 |
Appl. No.: |
16/893121 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62857451 |
Jun 5, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/51 20190201;
B65D 81/2038 20130101; A61L 2202/23 20130101; B65D 2588/746
20130101; A61L 2202/14 20130101; A23B 7/152 20130101; A61L 2/20
20130101; B65D 88/745 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/74 20060101
B65D088/74; B65D 81/20 20060101 B65D081/20; B65D 90/51 20060101
B65D090/51; A23B 7/152 20060101 A23B007/152; A61L 2/20 20060101
A61L002/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to control a vacuum chamber for perishable
commodities, comprising: a vacuum chamber to contain a perishable
commodity in a low pressure atmosphere, an atmosphere control
system coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein the atmosphere
control system comprises a vacuum pump, a sensor, a valve between
the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, and a computer processor
and a memory, and wherein the memory comprises a vacuum chamber
control module to control the vacuum chamber; wherein to control
the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control module is to control
the valve and the vacuum pump, sense with the sensor a condition of
the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, determine an
objective for the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber,
and influence the condition of the low pressure atmosphere toward
the objective.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises
at least one of an oxygen sensor, a carbon-dioxide sensor, a
pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor and wherein the low
pressure comprises a gas pressure within the vacuum chamber between
0 and 200 mbar.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum pump
and the vacuum chamber and wherein to sense with the sensor the
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, the
vacuum chamber control module is further to sense the condition of
an atmosphere in the manifold.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the valve is a first
valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump and wherein the
atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve between
the vacuum chamber and the manifold, and wherein the vacuum chamber
control module is further to close the second valve between the
vacuum chamber and the manifold, open the first valve between the
manifold and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate
the manifold to a gas pressure below a gas pressure of the vacuum
chamber, close the first valve between the manifold and the vacuum
pump, open the second valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold, allow the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
to equalize with the gas pressure below the gas pressure of the
vacuum in the manifold, and sense the condition of the atmosphere
in the manifold.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum chamber
control module is further to bring the atmosphere in the manifold
to standard atmospheric pressure, sense the condition of the
atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure and
wherein to determine the condition of the low pressure atmosphere
in the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control module is further
to compensate the sensed condition of the atmosphere in the
manifold at standard atmospheric pressure based on having brough
the manifold to standard atmospheric pressure.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is a
carbon-dioxide sensor, wherein the carbon-dioxide sensor is
unreliable at low pressure, and wherein to compensate the sensed
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure based on having brough the manifold to standard
atmospheric pressure comprises to compensate the sensed condition
of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure
based on at least one of a volume of gas or a composition of gas
introduced into the manifold to bring it to standard atmospheric
pressure.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the objective is to
attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber and wherein the vacuum
chamber control module is further to introduce oxygen into the
vacuum chamber.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the valve is a first
valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve
between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen source, and wherein to
introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber
control module is to open the first valve between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate
the vacuum chamber to a low pressure to remove buildup of volatile
gases in the vacuum chamber, open the second valve between the
oxygen source and the vacuum chamber to introduce oxygen into the
vacuum chamber, close the second valve between the oxygen source
and the vacuum chamber, and activate the vacuum pump to pump excess
gas from the vacuum chamber.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve is a valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the
objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber contains an
antimicrobial sachet, and wherein to introduce the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum
chamber control module is further to open the valve between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to
evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas pressure below a vapor
pressure of antimicrobial in the antimicrobial sachet and sublimate
or evaporate the antimicrobial, and close the valve between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein to introduce the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the
vacuum chamber control module is further to expose the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated in the antimicrobial
delivery chamber to a pressure below a vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated and thereby convert
the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated into the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial, and is to introduce the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the valve is a
valve between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and wherein to introduce the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control
module is further to open the valve between the oxygen source and
the antimicrobial delivery chamber and allow gas from the oxygen
source to flow through the antimicrobial delivery chamber and carry
the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial and the gas from the
oxygen source into the vacuum chamber.
12. A computer implemented method for controlling a vacuum chamber
for perishable commodities, comprising: with a vacuum chamber to
contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure atmosphere and an
atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein
the atmosphere control system comprises a vacuum pump, a sensor, a
valve between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, controlling
the valve and the vacuum pump, sensing with the sensor a condition
of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, determining
an objective for the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber,
and influencing the condition of the low pressure atmosphere toward
the objective.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum pump
and the vacuum chamber and wherein sensing with the sensor the
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
comprises sensing the condition of an atmosphere in the
manifold.
14. The method according to claim 13, and further comprising
bringing the atmosphere in the manifold to standard atmospheric
pressure, sensing the condition of the atmosphere in the manifold
at standard atmospheric pressure and wherein determining the
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
further comprises compensating the sensed condition of the
atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure based
on having brough the manifold to standard atmospheric pressure.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the objective is to
attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber and further comprising
introducing oxygen into the vacuum chamber.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the valve is a first
valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve
between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen source, and wherein
introducing oxygen into the vacuum chamber comprises opening the
first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump,
activating the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a low
pressure to remove buildup of volatile gases in the vacuum chamber,
opening the second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum
chamber to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber, closing the
second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum chamber, and
activating the vacuum pump to pump excess gas from the vacuum
chamber.
17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the valve is a valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the
objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber contains an
antimicrobial sachet, and wherein introducing the sublimated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises opening the valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, activating the
vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas pressure below
a vapor pressure of antimicrobial in the antimicrobial sachet and
sublimate or evaporate the antimicrobial, and closing the valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.
18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein introducing the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber
comprises exposing the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated
in the antimicrobial delivery chamber to a pressure below a
vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be sublimated or
evaporated and thereby converting the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated into the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial, and introducing the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the valve is a valve
between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery chamber and
wherein introducing the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into
the vacuum chamber comprises opening the valve between the oxygen
source and the antimicrobial delivery chamber and allowing gas from
the oxygen source to flow through the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and carry the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial and
the gas from the oxygen source into the vacuum chamber.
20. A computer apparatus controlling a vacuum chamber for
perishable commodities, comprising: with a vacuum chamber to
contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure atmosphere and an
atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein
the atmosphere control system comprises a vacuum pump, a sensor, a
valve between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, means to
control the valve and the vacuum pump, sense with the sensor a
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber,
determine an objective for the low pressure atmosphere in the
vacuum chamber, and influence the condition of the low pressure
atmosphere toward the objective.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional of, claims the
benefit of the filing date of, and incorporates by this reference
the subject matter of U.S. provisional patent application No.
62/857,451 filed Jun. 5, 2019.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses, and
systems to control an atmosphere and/or a composition of an
atmosphere in a vacuum chamber, including fungicides in the
atmosphere.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A problem that has existed since the dawn of agriculture is
that, while the human demand for fruits and vegetables exists
year-round, the growing season is seasonal. Many perishable
commodities, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat and fish can
only be grown and/or ripened during specific, typically short,
times of the year. Furthermore, such commodities are often grown
far from the markets in which they are sold and consumed. The time
spent in shipping such perishable commodities reduces the practical
time during which the perishable commodities can be sold and
consumed. In the case of certain fruits, such as strawberries,
blueberries, etc., the time between when the fruit is ripe for
harvest and when it begins to spoil is often short. This creates
the dual problems of, for example, having too much of a perishable
available during the peak of the harvesting season, and too little
available during the off, or non-peak seasons. Much effort has,
accordingly, been directed toward extending the post-harvest life
of fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat, fish and similar perishable
commodities ("perishables") intended for human or animal
consumption and/or use.
[0004] One known technique for extending the post-harvest life of
fruits and vegetables involves placing the perishables in a vacuum
for storage. It has been determined that holding perishables in a
vacuum of between approximately 10 to 150 Torr, potentially in
combination with refrigeration, may slow degradation compared to
refrigeration alone.
[0005] Although the beneficial effects of vacuums on harvested
fruit and vegetables are known, many problems exist in using such
techniques in actual practice. Prior attempts have included
building specialized refrigerated vacuum rooms, large ISO
containers and/or large-scale containers for storing the perishable
commodities after harvest and before shipment to retailers and
consumers. Such rooms and containers have been fabricated from
materials such as metal and concrete. Such rooms and containers are
large, bulky, immovable, expensive, and attaining and maintaining a
desired level of vacuum may not be possible. For example, it may be
necessary to operate large vacuum pump(s) continuously to maintain
a desired level of vacuum in such a large structure, because large
structures are prone to significant leakage.
[0006] In addition, such large structures are difficult to move to
a harvest location; if not moved to a harvest location, perishable
commodities would have to be handled additional times, such as at
the harvest location, then at a separate location where a room or
container might be loaded with the perishable commodities. In
addition, bulk quantities of perishable commodities may not be
distributed to a single sales outlet, where all of a shipment is
repackaged for a single consumer or type of consumer; bulk
quantities of perishable commodities may be distributed in pallets
or other smaller units which may be separated from one another for
distribution to multiple distribution and/or sales outlets. At the
multiple distribution and/or sales outlets, the pallets or smaller
unit may be handled in different ways, e.g. to be repackaged,
labeled, or the like, to address different sales processes and
different consumers.
[0007] In addition to the shear cost and logistical problems of
working with a large structure in agricultural operations,
operating a vacuum pump continuously is a large financial and
logistical expense. Still further problems are encountered when the
need to keep the perishable commodities hydrated and/or
refrigerated under vacuum conditions is considered.
[0008] Although potentially effective in reducing degradation
during the time a perishable can be held in a vacuum chamber,
degradation at a faster rate may resume once perishables are
removed or when they handled additional times for further shipment,
such as when bulk perishables are sub-divided for shipment to
specific retail stores. This consideration further impacts the
practical and financial viability of using a large vacuum chamber
to store perishable commodities.
[0009] Although less active in a vacuum, pathogens may nonetheless
remain present and alive, notwithstanding the vacuum, and may be
active, resume activity and/or become more active following
reintroduction of standard air pressure, temperature, and
humidity.
[0010] Antimicrobials can kill or suppress pathogens. However,
antimicrobials, whether natural or man-made, often have issues. For
example, some perishables, such as blueberries and strawberries,
must be kept dry and should not be drenched in a bath or coated in
a wax containing an antimicrobial. Some perishables have a skin
that is consumed, which limits an amount or type of antimicrobial
that can be applied. Some antimicrobials can be applied
pre-harvest, but not post-harvest, due to regulatory or health
concerns. Before harvest, some antimicrobials are applied in
amounts which exceed required dosage for a pre-harvest period, in
the hope that a small residual amount of the antimicrobial will
remain on the perishable commodity post-harvest. Some
antimicrobials are toxic to humans, whether in the handling of the
antimicrobial, such as when putting an antimicrobial in or removing
an antimicrobial from a container of perishables, or in the
handling or consumption of the perishable. Some antimicrobials are
phytotoxic to some perishables and may cause undesired reactions,
ranging from aesthetic (such as discoloration) to accelerated
decomposition. Some antimicrobials may leave a residue on a
perishable, wherein the residue may have an undesirable flavor.
[0011] Antimicrobials may interact chemically or physically with
materials used to transport perishables. For example,
antimicrobials may make certain materials brittle, may interfere
with lubrication between moving parts (whether within a vacuum
chamber or in a pump used to maintain a vacuum), may erode or
degrade seals, may condense as a liquid or film, may clog pipes or
channels, may interfere with or degrade sensors, and the like.
[0012] Interaction of antimicrobials with perishables and with
equipment used to transport perishables would be particularly acute
and difficult to manage in the context of vacuum chambers. For
example, a vacuum chamber environment is expensive to create and
maintain, vulnerable to external perturbation and internal
structural or system failure, may include sensors and other
mechanical and electrical equipment which can fail, may be visually
opaque, and should not be breached until necessary. In addition,
when gas is pumped out of a vacuum chamber, the removed gas is
compressed by a pump. Compression of this gas can result in
condensation on or close to moving parts of the pump, including
parts which maintain a seal, including lubricated and dry seals
between rigid components which may have tight tolerances.
[0013] After being harvested, perishables that are not frozen
continue to undergo respiration, have an active metabolism, and
continue to "live", notwithstanding that they may have been removed
from a plant, whether or not placed in a vacuum chamber. Forms of
respiration include aerobic respiration, fermentation, and
anaerobic respiration.
[0014] After being harvested, most perishables categorized and/or
sold as "fresh" should typically only undergo aerobic respiration,
as fermentation and anaerobic respiration may cause changes which
many consumers understand as or associate with "rot".
[0015] Respiration of perishables can be measured as respiratory
quotient, or "RQ", which is the ratio of carbon-dioxide ("CO2")
eliminated (or expelled) and O2 consumed. In general, RQ for a
fresh perishable is thought to be in the range of 1:1 for a healthy
plant, though RQ can vary by plant, by time of day, by age of
plant, by temperature, by exposure to electromagnetic radiation,
and the like. In addition, RQ studies may sample a small change in
the composition of a large amount gas, which is expensive and can
lead to or compound errors; such errors may be dealt with by, for
example, by increasing the measurement time period and/or
increasing the number of perishable commodities being sampled.
However, this may result in a decrease in resolution, both
temporally and with respect to variability across the number of
perishable commodities being sampled, as different of the
perishable commodities may have different RQ characteristics due to
metabolic age ("ripeness"), different areas of the measured system
may have different temperature, sun or light exposure, or the
perishable commodities may have natural variability, and the like.
Consequently, RQ studies for a wide range of plants, across a wide
range of conditions and circumstances, which might indicate
desirable RQ levels or correlate the effect of RQ on the flavor and
desirability of a perishable commodity, are generally not
available. Difficulty in collecting RQ information and lack of
reliable target RQ information for a wide range of plants and
difficulty in collecting such data may prevent or impede use of RQ
measurement in relation to the storage of plants.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a network and device diagram illustrating an
example of a shipping container containing a vacuum container (also
referred to herein as a "vacuum chamber"), a valve connecting the
vacuum container to a manifold, a sensor, an antimicrobial delivery
unit, a vent, a vacuum pump, an atmospheric controller device, a
power source, and a network incorporated with teachings of the
present disclosure, according to some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of the atmosphere control device incorporated with teachings of the
present disclosure, according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of an atmosphere control device datastore incorporated with
teachings of the present disclosure, consistent with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates example of a method performed by a
perishable-container monitor module, according to some
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates example of a method performed by a sample
module, according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates example of a method performed by an
oxygenation module, according to some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates example of a method performed by an
antimicrobial delivery module, according to some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates example of a method performed by a second
embodiment of an antimicrobial delivery module, according to some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Please see concluding remarks, in this Detailed Description,
which contain defined terms and which describe how to read and
interpret this Detailed Description. Elements labeled with a label
number including a trailing letter, as in, "127A" or "127B"
represent one or more similar such elements, potentially with
variations; singular references herein to one such element or to
any object or noun, regardless whether drawn or whether labeled
with a trailing letter, shall be understood to refer to one or
more, unless the context makes clear otherwise. Where multiple
variations are illustrated with a trailing letter, when referred to
without the trailing letter, all such variations are referred
to.
[0025] In overview, this disclosure relates to control of or
introduction of an atmosphere in or into a vacuum chamber,
including an atmosphere containing one or more antimicrobials, as
well as associated equipment, which may include a manifold, a
filter, sensors, a sachet comprising an antimicrobial, an
antimicrobial delivery unit, a vent, a vacuum pump, vacuum tubes
between components such as these, and valves between these
components and the vacuum tubes, and methods, apparatuses, systems
related to the foregoing.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a network and device diagram illustrating an
example of shipping container 160 containing vacuum containers
105A-105D and control system 111. Shipping container 160 is not
necessary but illustrates an example of an environment in which one
or more vacuum containers 105 and control system 111 may be found.
Shipping container 160 may be in or carried by, for example, a
truck, a ship, a barge, a vessel, or vehicle. A greater or lesser
number of vacuum containers 105 and/or control system 111 may be
within shipping container 160.
[0027] Vacuum containers 105 are chambers capable of withstanding
atmospheric air pressure, for indefinitely long periods of time,
when the interior space is depressurized to an internal vacuum down
to 0 Torr or 0 millibar ("mbar") and arranged or configured to
contain perishables. Vacuum containers 105 may be, for example,
rectangular or tubular, with end caps. End caps may be removable,
to allow arrangement of perishables within vacuum container
105.
[0028] Vacuum containers 105 may be portable or transportable;
vacuum container 105 may be the size of, for example, a pallet
commonly used to transport perishable commodities, such as for
example, 48'' by 40'', 42'' by 42'', 48'' by 48'', or the like.
Vacuum containers 105 may be sized to be transported on a
pallet.
[0029] Sachet 106 are units of antimicrobial which may be placed in
vacuum container 105, prior to being depressurized. As discussed
further herein, antimicrobial in or on sachet 106 may evaporate or
sublimate when vacuum container 105 is depressurized.
Depressurization below a vapor pressure of an antimicrobial will
encourage or cause the antimicrobial to evaporate or sublimate.
[0030] Vacuum containers 105 may be transported separately from
control system 111. Vacuum containers 105 may be loaded with
perishable commodities, connected to control system 111, evacuated
or depressurized, handled as described herein, sealed in an
evacuated condition (e.g. depressurized to an internal vacuum on
the order of 0 to 150 Torr or 0 to 200 mbar), and transported in
the evacuated or depressurized condition. Vacuum containers 105 may
be periodically connected to control system 111, such as during
transport, including at scheduled times, at waypoints (designated
locations), at destinations, or the like. Vacuum containers 105 may
comprise components of control system 111, such as, for example,
pressure, temperature, or other sensors, wireless or wireline
communication systems, and computer systems to support the
same.
[0031] Vacuum containers 105 may be connected to control system 111
by one or more vacuum tubes 155A-155D. Vacuum tubes 155 may each
comprise two (or more) sub-vacuum tubes. Where multiple sub-vacuum
tubes lead to a single vacuum container 105, a first sub-vacuum
tube may be used to withdraw gas from vacuum container 105, while a
second sub-vacuum tube may be used to introduce gas into vacuum
container 105. A single vacuum tube may be used to both withdraw
and introduce gas into vacuum container 105. Vacuum tubes 155 may
be fabricated to resist collapse under standard air pressure,
notwithstanding low internal air pressure relative to external
atmospheric pressure. Vacuum tubes 155 may connect to valves
110.
[0032] One or more vacuum containers 105 may be depressurized by a
vacuum pump, whether or not through use of control system 111,
sealed, and then later connected to control system 111 by one or
more vacuum tubes 155.
[0033] Valves 110 may be operated manually or electronically, such
as by activation of a solenoid or the like. Valves 110 may be
opened and closed by atmosphere control device 200. Electrical
wiring, not illustrated, may connect valves 110 to atmosphere
control device 200 for electrical control of valves 110 by
atmosphere control device 200. Atmosphere control device 200 may
utilize perishable-container monitor module 400 (discussed further
herein; perishable-container monitor module 400 may also be
referred to herein as a "vacuum container control module") to
activate one or more of valves 110 to create a connection between
one or more of vacuum containers 105 and equipment in control
system 111. Valves 110 may comprise a matrix of valves connected by
vacuum tubes (or sub-vacuum tubes) which allow individual of the
vacuum containers 105 and individual of vacuum tubes and sub-vacuum
tubes to be attached to equipment in control system 111 in an order
or arrangement that may be re-configured, such as depending on
current requirements.
[0034] For example, all valves 110 may be closed, except valve 110D
may be opened to connect vacuum tube 155D to manifold 115 and valve
110H may be opened to connect manifold 115 to vacuum pump 130. Gas
may be then withdrawn from vacuum container-4 105D by vacuum pump
130, via manifold 115.
[0035] For example, all valves 110 may be closed, except valve
110H, connecting manifold 115 to vacuum pump 130. Vacuum pump 130
may draw the pressure within manifold 115 below a pressure in
vacuum container-2 105B. Valve 110H may then be closed. Valve 110B
may then be opened, exposing vacuum container-2 105B to the lower
pressure in manifold 115 and allowing gas in vacuum container-2
105B to flow into manifold 115. Other configurations and methods of
using manifold 115 are discussed herein. Multiple manifolds 115 and
multiple valves 110 may be used on conjunction with vacuum pump 130
and or multiple vacuum pumps 130.
[0036] Valves (not illustrated) may be present between sensors 127
and manifold 115. Sensor 127 may comprise, for example, one or more
of a gas sensor, such as one or more of manifold CO2 sensor 127C or
external sensor 127D, O2 sensor 127A, a moisture or humidity
sensor, an ion sensor, oxygen sensor 127A, a mass-spectrometer, a
pH sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like.
Sensor 127 may be directed toward and/or integrated into manifold
115, into one or more vacuum container 105, or into a vacuum tube
155, and may include or be connected to supporting electrical,
computer, and data communications equipment to transmit information
from such sensor to another device, such as atmosphere control
device 200. An air filter may be present between manifold 115 and
sensor 127 or between vacuum pump 130 and manifold 115 or vacuum
container 105. An air filter may comprise, for example, one or more
of a fiber filter, an activated charcoal filter, a membrane, a
water or liquid filter, or the like.
[0037] Sensors 127 may have characteristics which may impede or
make difficult use with or in low pressure conditions, as may be
found in vacuum container 105. For example, certain CO2 sensors may
not be reliable, may have a high error rate, or may not be usable
when not exposed to atmospheric pressure. For example, an error
rate of certain CO2 sensors in low pressure conditions within
vacuum container 105 may exceed a rate of change in CO2 in vacuum
container 105 under operating conditions. Apparatuses, systems, and
methods are discussed herein which may address such
shortcomings.
[0038] In addition to valves 110, sensors 127, and antimicrobial
delivery unit 120, equipment in control system 111 may comprise an
air filter, vacuum pump 130, exhaust 121, atmosphere control device
200, atmosphere control device datastore 300, vent 123A and 123B,
and power source 135. Power source 135 may comprise a battery, an
external power supply, a generator, or the like. Power source 135
may provide power to atmosphere control device 200, valves 110,
sensors 127, vacuum pump 130, antimicrobial delivery unit 120, and
other equipment on and components of control system 111 and
shipping container 160.
[0039] Atmosphere control device 200 is discussed further in
relation to FIG. 2.
[0040] Manifold 115 may be a space, pipe, or volume into or from
which other pipes or vacuum tubes connect and which is generally
sealed against uncontrolled entry of gas or liquid.
[0041] Vacuum pump 130 may be, for example, a scroll compressor, a
piston compressor or pump, a turbine pump, or the like, suitable to
develop low pressure in vacuum container 105, between 0 to 150 Torr
or 0 to 200 mbar.
[0042] Embodiments of antimicrobial delivery unit 120 are discussed
further herein in relation to FIG. 7.
[0043] Shipping container 160 may further comprise a heat pump,
refrigerator, or otherwise be configured to receive heating and or
cooling services. Heating and or cooling to shipping container 160
may be under the direction of, may be sensed by, or may be
controlled with information from atmosphere control device 200,
such as information regarding temperature or other conditions in or
around vacuum container 105 and/or control system 111.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 1, atmosphere control device 200
and/or equipment in or of a vacuum container 105 may connect to
network 150. Network 150 in FIG. 1 may comprise computers, network
connections among the computers, and software routines to enable
communication between the computers over the network connections.
Examples of network 150 comprise an Ethernet network, the Internet,
and/or a wireless network, such as a GSM, TDMA, CDMA, EDGE, HSPA,
LTE, satellite service, or other network provided by a wireless
service provider. Connection to network 150 may be via a Wi-Fi,
cellular, or wired connection. More than one network may be
involved in a communication session between the illustrated
devices. Connection to network 150 may require that the computers
execute software routines which enable, for example, the seven
layers of the OSI model of computer networking or equivalent in a
wireless phone network. Connection to network 150 may occur
transiently and/or opportunistically, such as when shipping
container 160 arrives or departs a destination, when shipping
container 160 is opened, or the like.
[0045] In FIG. 1, atmosphere control device 200 is illustrated as
connecting to atmosphere control device datastore 300. Atmosphere
control device datastore 300 is described further, herein, though,
generally, should be understood as a datastore used by atmosphere
control device 200.
[0046] Shipper 140 in FIG. 1 may comprise computers of a shipping,
freight forwarding, leasing, or the like company or organization,
which party may have a financial or other interest in the status of
shipping container 160 and/or of vacuum container 105. Monitor 145
in FIG. 1 may comprise computers of a grower, a purchaser, or the
like company or organization, which party may have a financial or
other interest in the status of shipping container 160, of vacuum
container 105, and/or of control system 111. Shipper 140 and/or
monitor 145 may receive information regarding the status of
shipping container 160, vacuum container 105, and/or of control
system 111.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of atmosphere control device 200 incorporated with teachings of the
present disclosure, according to some embodiments. Atmosphere
control device 200 may include chipset 255. Chipset 255 may include
processor 215, input/output (I/O) port(s) and peripheral devices,
such as output 240 and input 245, and network interface 230, and
atmosphere control device memory 250, all interconnected via bus
220. Network interface 230 may be utilized to form connections with
network 150, with atmosphere control device datastore 300, or to
form device-to-device connections with other computers.
[0048] Chipset 255 may include communication components and/or
paths, e.g., buses 220, that couple processor 215 to peripheral
devices, such as, for example, output 240 and input 245, which may
be connected via I/O ports. Processor 215 may include one or more
execution cores (CPUs). For example, chipset 255 may also include a
peripheral controller hub (PCH) (not shown). In another example,
chipset 255 may also include a sensors hub (not shown). Input 245
and output 240 may include, for example, user interface device(s)
including a display, a touch-screen display, printer, keypad,
keyboard, etc., sensor(s), including sensors discussed in relation
to sensors 127, accelerometer, global positioning system (GPS),
gyroscope, etc., communication logic, wired and/or wireless,
storage device(s) including hard disk drives, solid-state drives,
removable storage media, etc. I/O ports for input 245 and output
240 may be configured to transmit and/or receive commands and/or
data according to one or more communications protocols. For
example, one or more of the I/O ports may comply and/or be
compatible with a universal serial bus (USB) protocol, peripheral
component interconnect (PCI) protocol (e.g., PCI express (PCIe)),
or the like.
[0049] Hardware acceleration module 210 may provide hardware
acceleration of various functions otherwise performed by modules
and devices disclosed herein. Hardware acceleration module may be
provided by, for example, Integrated Performance Primitives
software library by Intel Corporation, as may be executed by an
Intel (or other compatible or similar) chip, and which may
implement, for example, a library of programming functions involved
with real time computer processing. Such a library includes, for
example, OpenCV. OpenCV includes, for example, a statistical
machine learning library including boosting, decision tree
learning, gradient boosting trees, expectation-maximization
algorithms, k-nearest neighbor algorithm, naive Bayes classifier,
artificial neural networks, random forest, and a support vector
machine. In embodiments, hardware acceleration module 210 may be a
programmed or programmable field programmable gate array ("FPGA"),
i.e., a FPGA in which gate arrays are configured with a bit stream
to embody the logic of the hardware accelerated function
(equivalent to the logic provided by the executable instructions of
a software embodiment of the function). In embodiments, hardware
acceleration module 210 may also or alternatively include
components of or supporting atmosphere control device memory
250.
[0050] Atmosphere control device memory 250 may generally comprise
a random access memory ("RAM"), a read only memory ("ROM"), and a
permanent mass storage device, such as a disk drive or SDRAM
(synchronous dynamic random-access memory). Atmosphere control
device memory 250 may store program code for modules and/or
software routines, such as, for example, hardware acceleration
module 210, atmosphere control device datastore 300 (illustrated
and discussed further in relation to FIG. 3), and
perishable-container monitor module (illustrated and discussed
further in relation to FIG. 4).
[0051] Atmosphere control device memory 250 may also store
operating system 280. These software components may be loaded from
a non-transient computer readable storage medium 295 into
atmosphere control device memory 250 using a drive mechanism
associated with a non-transient computer readable storage medium
295, such as a floppy disc, tape, DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory card, or
other like storage medium. In some embodiments, software components
may also or instead be loaded via a mechanism other than a drive
mechanism and computer readable storage medium 295 (e.g., via
network interface 230).
[0052] Atmosphere control device memory 250 is also illustrated as
comprising kernel 285, kernel space 296, user space 290, user
protected address space 260, and atmosphere control device
datastore 300 (illustrated and discussed further in relation to
FIG. 3).
[0053] Atmosphere control device memory 250 may store one or more
process 265 (i.e., software application(s), which may be executing
or which may be ready to be executed). Process 265 may be stored in
user space 290. Process 265 may include one or more other process
265a . . . 265n. One or more process 265 may execute generally in
parallel, i.e., as a plurality of processes and/or a plurality of
threads.
[0054] Atmosphere control device memory 250 is further illustrated
as storing operating system 280 and/or kernel 285. The operating
system 280 and/or kernel 285 may be stored in kernel space 296. In
some embodiments, operating system 280 may include kernel 285.
Operating system 280 and/or kernel 285 may attempt to protect
kernel space 296 and prevent access by certain of process 265a . .
. 265n.
[0055] Kernel 285 may be configured to provide an interface between
user processes and circuitry associated with atmosphere control
device 200. In other words, kernel 285 may be configured to manage
access to processor 215, chipset 255, I/O ports and peripheral
devices by process 265. Kernel 285 may include one or more drivers
configured to manage and/or communicate with elements of atmosphere
control device 200 (i.e., processor 215, chipset 255, I/O ports and
peripheral devices).
[0056] Atmosphere control device 200 may also comprise or
communicate via Bus 220 and/or network interface 230 with
atmosphere control device datastore 300, illustrated and discussed
further in relation to FIG. 3. In various embodiments, bus 220 may
comprise a high speed serial bus, and network interface 230 may be
coupled to a storage area network ("SAN"), a high speed wired or
wireless network, and/or via other suitable communication
technology. Atmosphere control device 200 may, in some embodiments,
include many more components than as illustrated. However, it is
not necessary that all components be shown in order to disclose an
illustrative embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of an atmosphere control device datastore 300 incorporated with
teachings of the present disclosure, consistent with embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0058] The components of atmosphere control device datastore 300
may include data groups used by modules and/or routines, e.g.,
sensor 305, sensor data 310, perishable 315, antimicrobial 320,
container 325, valve 330, and sensor objective 335 (to be described
more fully below in discussion of other of the Figures). The data
groups used by modules or routines illustrated in FIG. 3 may be
represented by a cell in a column or a value separated from other
values in a defined structure in a digital document or file. Though
referred to herein as individual records or entries, the records
may comprise more than one database entry. The database entries may
be, represent, or encode numbers, numerical operators, binary
values, logical values, text, string operators, references to other
database entries, joins, conditional logic, tests, and similar.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
performed by perishable-container monitor module 400, according to
some embodiments. Perishable-container monitor module 400 may be
performed by, for example, atmosphere control device(s), such as
atmosphere control device 200, according to some embodiments.
Components of perishable-container monitor module 400 may be
performed by or with assistance from a hardware accelerator, such
as hardware accelerator module 210.
[0060] At block 405, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
log, receive, or otherwise note the presence of different
perishables and/or antimicrobial sachets in different vacuum
containers 105 and/or of the presence of antimicrobial in an
antimicrobial delivery unit 120, such as via perishable 315,
container 325, and or antimicrobial 320 records.
[0061] Opening loop block 410 to closing loop block 440 may iterate
over each container 325 containing perishable 315, managed by
perishable-container monitor module 400.
[0062] At block 415, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
obtain one or more objectives, such as value(s) for one or more
sensor readings, a target sensor reading, an objective to filter
air routed to or from a vacuum container and to or from a sensor,
manifold, pump, or the like, an objective to maintain a
concentration of antimicrobial, an objective to measure an air
pressure, a temperature, a humidity level, a CO2 level, an O2
level, an RQ, or the like. Objectives may be obtained from, for
example, one or more objective 335 records. For example, an
objective may be to reduce pressure in a vacuum chamber; an
objective may be to reduce pressure in a vacuum chamber to a level
below a vaporization pressure of an antimicrobial.
[0063] At block 500, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
perform sample module 500, for example to obtain pressure, O2, CO2,
temperature, and other sample values. For example, sample module
500 may reduce pressure in the vacuum chamber to a low pressure
value, e.g. a value on the order of 0 to 150 Torr or 0 to 200 mbar
or, e.g., below a vaporization pressure of an antimicrobial. Sample
module 500 may obtain values from sensors, such as sensors 127.
[0064] At block 425, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
record or report all or a subset of the sampled values, for
example, in a sensor data 310 record. Sampled values may be
recorded after cleaning or filtering the data, such as to eliminate
erroneous records, out of a range records, or the like.
[0065] At block 425, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
log and/or report the sensor data received at block 425, such as to
an external recipient.
[0066] At decision block 430, perishable-container monitor module
400 may determine whether sensor data received at block 425 has
achieved an objective, such as objective 335 of block 415.
[0067] If sensor data has not achieved objective 335, at block 435,
perishable-container monitor module 400 may perform oxygenation
module 600, antimicrobial module 700, and/or antimicrobial module-2
800 or perishable-container monitor module 400 may return to
opening loop block 410 to continue to iterate over perishable 315
and container 325 combinations that it monitors and controls, as
may be the case when the objective does not relate to oxygenation
module 600 and/or antimicrobial module 700 (e.g. if the objective
is to reduce pressure within a container 325 to a level).
[0068] At closing loop block 440, which may follow, for example,
from block 435 or from decision block 430, perishable-container
monitor module 400 may return to opening loop block 410 to continue
to iterate over perishable 315 and container 325 combinations that
it monitors and controls.
[0069] Upon occurrence of an interrupt or exit condition,
perishable-container monitor module 400 may proceed to done or
return block 499. At done or return block 499, perishable-container
monitor module 400 may conclude or may return to another
process.
[0070] In embodiments, perishable-container monitor module 400 may
be performed after vacuum container 105 has been loaded with
perishable commodities, vacuum container 105 may be evacuated or
depressurized, objectives may be achieved, and one or more valves
110 may be activated to isolate evacuated vacuum container 105. The
evacuated vacuum container 105 may then be transported, whether
separately from control system 111, in conjunction with, or meeting
back up with control system 111. When re-connected to control
system 111, vacuum container 105, control system 111 may initiate
perishable-container monitor module 400 and resume monitoring and
control of vacuum container 105.
[0071] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
performed by sample module 500, according to some embodiments.
Sample module 500 may be performed by, for example, atmosphere
control device(s), such as atmosphere control device 200, according
to some embodiments. Components of sample module 500 may be
performed by or with assistance from a hardware accelerator, such
as hardware accelerator module 210.
[0072] At block 505, sample module 500 may evacuate a manifold,
such as manifold 115, to a vacuum pressure level below that of a
chamber of interest, such as one of vacuum container-1 to 105A-105D
or N.
[0073] At block 510, sample module 500 may open valve between
chamber of interest and manifold, allowing gas pressure to equalize
between chamber of interest and manifold.
[0074] At block 515, sample module 500 may close valve between
chamber of interest and manifold.
[0075] At decision block 520, sample module 500 may determine
whether the measurement technique for an object should be performed
at low pressure, e.g. 0 to 150 Torr or 0 to 200 mbar, or whether it
should be performed at atmospheric pressure. For example, decision
block 520 may determine that a CO2 measurement should be performed
at atmospheric pressure, whereas an O2 or other measurement can be
performed at low pressure.
[0076] At block 521, sample module 500 may determine if oxygen
("02"), pressure, nitrogen and or other sensor readings (e.g. such
as CO2 readings, if sensor 127 can provide a reliable measurement)
have stabilized, such as according to output of such sensors, after
a period of time has elapsed, or the like.
[0077] At block 525, sample module 500 may record all or a subset
of sensor values.
[0078] At block 529, which may follow decision block 520, sample
module 500 may read a gas composition the external gas source, such
as a CO2 or other gas composition of the external air. This may be
performed, for example, using external sensor 127D or the like
external gas sensor, which may be a CO2 sensor. Measured values may
be recorded in one or more sensor data 310 records.
[0079] At block 530, sample module 500 may open vent valve, such as
valve 110G, and allow manifold to reach atmospheric pressure or
another pressure, above the low pressure in the vacuum container.
The vent valve may be to external air or to a dedicated gas supply
with a known composition. The gas composition of external air or
the external gas source may have been measured at block 529.
[0080] At block 535, sample module 500 may close vent valve.
[0081] At block 540, sample module 500 may allow or determine if
readings of the sensor to stabilize. For example, sample module 500
may allow CO2 readings to stabilize.
[0082] At block 545, sample module 500 may compensate the readings.
Compensation may be based on the volume of manifold, the pressure
in the manifold before the vent valve was opened, sensor readings
which may have been captured, such as at block 529, and external
levels of or for the sensed gas. For example, when measuring CO2
levels in the manifold after bringing the manifold to atmospheric
pressure using external air, sample module 500 may compensate the
CO2 readings in the manifold based on CO2 levels in external air,
as may have been measured by external sensor 127D at block 529.
[0083] At block 550, sample module 500 may record and/or report all
or a subset of the compensated CO2 values. Such values may be
recorded in one or more sensor data 310 records.
[0084] Processing of the 02, CO2, pressure, and other sample values
may take place. Processing may be according to logic, instructions,
and/or modules in atmosphere control device 200 and/or controller
datastore 300. Processing may determine RQ. RQ ratio(s) or value(s)
may be associated with plant stress, decomposition, activity of
fungus or other pathogens, and the like. Maintenance of RQ ratio(s)
or value(s) may be an objective. Maintenance of RQ ratio(s) or
value(s) may be performed by, for example, operation of oxygenation
module 600. Perishable-container monitor module 400 (and
subroutines thereof) may continue to iterate over objectives.
[0085] Upon occurrence of an interrupt or exit condition, sample
module 500 may proceed to done or return block 599. At done or
return block 599, sample module 500 may conclude or may return to
another process.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
performed by oxygenation module 600, according to some embodiments.
Oxygenation module 600 may be performed by, for example, atmosphere
control device(s), such as atmosphere control device 200, according
to some embodiments. Components of oxygenation module 600 may be
performed by or with assistance from a hardware accelerator, such
as hardware accelerator module 210.
[0087] At block 605, oxygenation module 600 may evacuate a
manifold, such as manifold 115, to a vacuum pressure of a chamber
of interest, such as one of vacuum container-1 to 105A-105D or
N.
[0088] At block 610, oxygenation module 600 may open valve between
chamber of interest and manifold, allowing gas pressure to equalize
between chamber of interest and manifold.
[0089] At block 615, oxygenation module 600 may activate, for
example, vacuum pump 130 to pump chamber of interest and manifold
to a low pressure, below that of chamber of interest, to remove
buildup of volatile gases within chamber.
[0090] At block 616 oxygenation module 600 may read a gas
composition of the external gas source, such as an O2 gas
composition of the external air. This may be performed, for
example, using external sensor 127D, which may be an oxygen sensor,
or the like external gas sensor. Measured values may be recorded in
one or more sensor data 310 records.
[0091] At block 620, oxygenation module 600 may open a valve
between manifold and vent valve or another oxygen source to allow
in a desired amount or concentration of oxygen. The desired amount
or concentration may be sensed and/or calculated by oxygenation
module 600, for example, based on a known flow rate of gas through
the valve and the external level of oxygen, as may have been
measured in block 616, based on a known volume of manifold and the
external level of oxygen, and the like. In an alternative
embodiment, oxygenation module 600 may close a valve between
chamber of interest and manifold, may then open a valve between
manifold and vent or another oxygen source and allow the manifold
to equalize with the oxygen source. Oxygenation module 600 may then
close the valve between manifold and vent or another oxygen source
and then open the valve between chamber of interest and manifold,
thereby allowing the unit of higher pressure oxygen in manifold to
flow into the chamber of interest. This may enable a step-wise
introduction of oxygen or another gas into the chamber of
interest.
[0092] At block 621, oxygenation module 600 may purge excess gas
from the chamber of interest to a desired pressure level through
activation of vacuum pump and valves. Purge of excess gas may be
performed in a continuous operation, by vacuum pump, or in steps,
by evacuating manifold to a pressure level below that of chamber of
interest, closing manifold to vacuum pump, opening chamber of
interest to evacuated manifold. Pressure and/or amount or
concentration of gas, such as oxygen, may be measured in the
chamber of interest and/or in the manifold.
[0093] At block 625, oxygenation module 600 may close valve to the
chamber of interest.
[0094] Upon occurrence of an interrupt or exit condition,
oxygenation module 600 may proceed to done or return block 699. At
done or return block 699, oxygenation module 600 may conclude or
may return to another process.
[0095] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
performed by antimicrobial module 700, according to some
embodiments. Antimicrobial module 700 may be performed by, for
example, atmosphere control device(s), such as atmosphere control
device 200, according to some embodiments. Components of
antimicrobial module 700 may be performed by or with assistance
from a hardware accelerator, such as hardware accelerator module
210.
[0096] At block 705, antimicrobial module 700 may evacuate a
manifold, such as manifold 115, to a vacuum pressure of a chamber
of interest, such as one of vacuum container-1 to 105A-105D or
N.
[0097] At block 710, antimicrobial module 700 may open valve
between chamber of interest and manifold, allowing gas pressure to
equalize between chamber of interest and manifold.
[0098] At block 715, antimicrobial module 700 may pump chamber of
interest and manifold to a low pressure, such as according to a
vapor pressure of water or a vapor pressure of an
antimicrobial.
[0099] At block 720, antimicrobial module 700 may close valve
between chamber of interest and manifold. In an embodiment, such as
if a sachet of antimicrobial is present in vacuum chamber 105,
antimicrobial module 700 may close the valve between chamber of
interest and manifold and proceed to done block 799 from block
720.
[0100] At decision block 725, antimicrobial module 700 may
determine whether antimicrobial treatment and oxygenation and/or
other procedures are to be performed.
[0101] At block 730, antimicrobial module 700 may open a valve
between an antimicrobial delivery unit, such as antimicrobial
delivery unit 120, and manifold, exposing antimicrobial in
antimicrobial delivery unit to low pressure in manifold.
Antimicrobial in antimicrobial delivery unit may sublimate or
evaporate into manifold. Sublimation or evaporation of
antimicrobial may be stopped by activation of valve after a
determined period of time and/or sublimation or evaporation of
antimicrobial may be determined by a volume of manifold and a vapor
pressure of antimicrobial. A volume of manifold may be determined
in advance of deployment or may be changed, dynamically, after
deployment, based on an amount of antimicrobial to be delivered in
one dose.
[0102] Antimicrobial delivery unit may comprise an antimicrobial.
Antimicrobial may be present in a single-use or multiple-use unit
as a liquid, solid, or paste. More than one antimicrobial delivery
unit may be attached to manifold. Antimicrobial may be present in a
multi-use antimicrobial delivery unit as a liquid, solid, or paste.
Antimicrobial may be present in a high surface area sachet within
antimicrobial delivery unit; sachet may be saturated with
antimicrobial; sachet may contain an amount of antimicrobial
determined to provide a dose to perishables for a predicted transit
of the perishables. Sachet may be in a vacuum chamber, such as when
placed in a vacuum chamber, such as when vacuum chamber is loaded
with perishables. Different sachets may be placed in separate
vacuum chambers.
[0103] Antimicrobial in antimicrobial delivery unit or in sachet
may sublimate or evaporate when exposed to a pressure level below
that of a vaporization pressure of antimicrobial. Previous
approaches to introduction of an antimicrobial into a chamber may
have involved aerosolizing (such as through mechanical action or
pushing a liquid through an orifice) or vaporizing (such as through
heat) an antimicrobial in a first vessel at atmospheric pressure,
modestly reducing the pressure in a second vessel containing the
perishable to a pressure level modestly below that of atmospheric
pressure, but not to the low pressure discussed herein (between 0
and 150 Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the vaporization pressure
of the antimicrobial), connecting the first and second vessels, and
allowing the aerosolized or vaporized antimicrobial to flow from
the first vessel to the second vessel. However, the previous
approaches do not teach or suggest placing the antimicrobial
(potentially in combination with a carrier) into the vessel
containing the perishable, reducing the pressure in the vessel
containing the perishable to the low pressure discussed herein
(between 0 and 150 Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the vaporization
pressure of the antimicrobial), and thereby sublimating or
evaporating the antimicrobial in the vessel containing the
perishable due to or aided by low pressure discussed herein
(between 0 and 150 Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the vaporization
pressure of the antimicrobial). Nor does this teach or suggest
placing the antimicrobial into a first vessel, such as a manifold
or an antimicrobial delivery chamber connected to a manifold,
reducing the pressure in the first vessel to the low pressure
discussed herein (between 0 and 150 Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below
the vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial), sublimating or
evaporating the antimicrobial in the first vessel due to or aided
by the low pressure discussed herein, and then connecting the first
vessel to a second vessel containing a perishable, wherein, prior
to being connected, the second vessel may be at a lower pressure
than the first vessel, resulting in flow of the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the second vessel containing the
perishable. Nor does this teach or suggest placing the
antimicrobial into a first vessel, such as a manifold or an
antimicrobial delivery chamber connected to a manifold, reducing
the pressure in the first vessel to the low pressure discussed
herein (between 0 and 150 Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the
vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial), connecting the first
vessel to a second vessel containing a perishable, wherein, prior
to being connected, the second vessel may be at a lower pressure
than the first vessel, opening a vent valve to the manifold or
antimicrobial delivery chamber connected to the manifold, causing
the antimicrobial in the first vessel to sublimate or evaporate in
the flow of gas from the vent, and allowing the flow of gas and
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial to flow into the second
vessel containing the perishable.
[0104] Antimicrobial may comprise a fungicide. An antimicrobial may
comprise, for example, one or more of a natural antimicrobial such
as sulfur, lime-sulfur, copper, horticultural oil, neem oil,
bicarbonates, a natural essential oil, such as menthol or
peppermint and/or the antimicrobial may comprise one or more of the
following, including in combination with a carrier:
(3-ethoxypropyl)mercury bromide, 2-methoxyethylmercury chloride,
2-phenylphenol, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate,
8-phenylmercurioxyquinoline, acibenzolar, acylamino acid
fungicides, acypetacs, aldimorph, aliphatic nitrogen fungicides,
allyl alcohol, amide fungicides, ampropylfos, anilazine, anilide
fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, aromatic fungicides,
aureofungin, azaconazole, azithiram, azoxystrobin, barium
polysulfide, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, benomyl, benquinox,
bentaluron, benthiavalicarb, benzalkonium chloride, benzamacril,
benzamide fungicides, benzamorf, benzanilide fungicides,
benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides,
benzimidazolylcarbamate fungicides, benzohydroxamic acid,
benzothiazole fungicides, bethoxazin, binapacryl, biphenyl,
bitertanol, bithionol, bixafen, blasticidin-S, Bordeaux mixture,
boric acid, boscalid, bridged diphenyl fungicides, bromuconazole,
bupirimate, Burgundy mixture, buthiobate, sec-butylamine, calcium
polysulfide, captafol, captan, carbamate fungicides, carbamorph,
carbanilate fungicides, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid,
carvone, Cheshunt mixture, chinomethionat, chlobenthiazone,
chloraniformethan, chloranil, chlorfenazole,
chlorodinitronaphthalene, chloroform, chloroneb, chloropicrin,
chlorothalonil, chlorquinox, chlozolinate, ciclopirox, climbazole,
clotrimazole, conazole fungicides, conazole fungicides
(imidazoles), conazole fungicides (triazoles), copper(II) acetate,
copper(II) carbonate, basic, copper fungicides, copper hydroxide,
copper naphthenate, copper oleate, copper oxychloride, copper(II)
sulfate, copper sulfate, basic, copper zinc chromate, cresol,
cufraneb, cuprobam, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cyclafuramid, cyclic
dithiocarbamate fungicides, cycloheximide, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil,
cypendazole, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dazomet, DBCP, debacarb,
decafentin, dehydroacetic acid, dicarboximide fungicides,
dichlofluanid, dichlone, dichlorophen, dichlorophenyl,
dichlozoline, diclobutrazol, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran,
diethofencarb, diethyl pyrocarbonate, difenoconazole, diflumetorim,
dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole,
diniconazole-M, dinitrophenol fungicides, dinobuton, dinocap,
dinocap-4, dinocap-6, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulfon, dinoterbon,
diphenylamine, dipyrithione, disulfiram, ditalimfos, dithianon,
dithiocarbamate fungicides, DNOC, dodemorph, dodicin, dodine,
donatodine, drazoxolon, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole,
etem, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, ethylene oxide,
ethylmercury 2,3-dihydroxypropyl mercaptide, ethylmercury acetate,
ethylmercury bromide, ethylmercury chloride, ethylmercury
phosphate, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminosulf,
fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid,
fenitropan, fenoxanil, fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph,
fentin, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, Fluconazole, fludioxonil,
flumetover, flumorph, fluopicolide, fluoroimide, fluotrimazole,
fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide,
flutolanil, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, folpet, formaldehyde,
fosetyl, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furamide fungicides,
furanilide fungicides, furcarbanil, furconazole, furconazole-cis,
furfural, furmecyclox, furophanate, glyodin, griseofulvin,
guazatine, halacrinate, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene,
hexachlorophene, hexaconazole, hexylthiofos, hydrargaphen,
hymexazol, imazalil, imibenconazole, imidazole fungicides,
iminoctadine, inorganic fungicides, inorganic mercury fungicides,
iodomethane, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb,
isopropyl alcohol, isoprothiolane, isovaledione, isopyrazam,
kasugamycin, ketoconazole, kresoxim-methyl, Lime sulfur (lime
sulphur), mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, mebenil, mecarbinzid,
mepanipyrim, mepronil, mercuric chloride, mercuric oxide, mercurous
chloride, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (a.k.a. Mefenoxam), metam,
metazoxolon, metconazole, methasulfocarb, methfuroxam, methyl
bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methylmercury benzoate,
methylmercury dicyandiamide, methylmercury pentachlorophenoxide,
metiram, metominostrobin, metrafenone, metsulfovax, milneb,
morpholine fungicides, myclobutanil, myclozolin,
N-(ethylmercury)-p-toluenesulfonanilide, nabam, natamycin,
nystatin, R-nitrostyrene, nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, OCH,
octhilinone, ofurace, oprodione, organomercury fungicides,
organophosphorus fungicides, organotin fungicides, orthophenyl
phenol, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole
fungicides, oxine copper, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate,
penconazole, pencycuron, pentachlorophenol, penthiopyrad,
phenylmercuriurea, phenylmercury acetate, phenylmercury chloride,
phenylmercury derivative of pyrocatechol, phenylmercury nitrate,
phenylmercury salicylate, phenylsulfamide fungicides, phosdiphen,
Phosphite, phthalide, phthalimide fungicides, picoxystrobin,
piperalin, polycarbamate, polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides,
polyoxins, polyoxorim, polysulfide fungicides, potassium azide,
potassium polysulfide, potassium thiocyanate, probenazole,
prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb,
proquinazid, prothiocarb, prothioconazole, pyracarbolid,
pyraclostrobin, pyrazole fungicides, pyrazophos, pyridine
fungicides, pyridinitril, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyrimidine
fungicides, pyroquilon, pyroxychlor, pyroxyfur, pyrrole fungicides,
quinacetol, quinazamid, quinconazole, quinoline fungicides,
quinomethionate, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides,
quinoxyfen, quintozene, rabenzazole, salicylanilide, silthiofam,
silver, simeconazole, sodium azide, sodium bicarbonate[2][3],
sodium orthophenylphenoxide, sodium pentachlorophenoxide, sodium
polysulfide, spiroxamine, streptomycin, strobilurin fungicides,
sulfonanilide fungicides, sulfur, sulfuryl fluoride, sultropen,
TCMTB, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tecoram,
tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiadifluor, thiazole fungicides,
thicyofen, thifluzamide, thymol, triforine, thiocarbamate
fungicides, thiochlorfenphim, thiomersal, thiophanate,
thiophanate-methyl, thiophene fungicides, thioquinox, thiram,
tiadinil, tioxymid, tivedo, tolclofos-methyl, tolnaftate,
tolylfluanid, tolylmercury acetate, triadimefon, triadimenol,
triamiphos, triarimol, triazbutil, triazine fungicides, triazole
fungicides, triazoxide, tributyltin oxide, trichlamide,
tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine,
triticonazole, undecylenic acid, uniconazole, uniconazole-P, urea
fungicides, validamycin, valinamide fungicides, vinclozolin,
voriconazole, zarilamid, zinc naphthenate, zineb, ziram, and
zoxamide.
[0105] An antimicrobial may be combined with a carrier molecule or
compound that may assist in sublimation or evaporation, such as
when exposed to low pressure.
[0106] At block 735, antimicrobial module 700 may close valve
between antimicrobial delivery unit and manifold.
[0107] At block 740, antimicrobial module 700 may open valve
between antimicrobial delivery unit and manifold, allowing
antimicrobial in antimicrobial delivery unit, such as a dose of
antimicrobial, to enter vacuum chamber.
[0108] At block 745, which may follow decision block 725,
antimicrobial module 700 may open valves between chamber of
interest, manifold, antimicrobial delivery unit, and a vent for
antimicrobial delivery unit, such as vent 123B, via valve 110I.
Thereby, atmospheric air may pass over a high surface area sachet,
impregnated with antimicrobial, thereby introducing both O2 and
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber of
interest. Evaporation or sublimation of antimicrobial may be
facilitated by the low pressure discussed herein (between 0 and 150
Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial). Evaporation or sublimination of antimicrobial may
be facilitated by sequencing the opening of the valves between
chamber of interest, manifold, antimicrobial delivery unit, and
vent for antimicrobial delivery unit, such that the antimicrobial
is exposed to the low pressure discussed herein (between 0 and 150
Torr or 0 and 200 mbar or below the vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial) for a period of time before the vent valve is
opened.
[0109] Upon occurrence of an interrupt or exit condition,
antimicrobial delivery module 700 may proceed to done or return
block 799. At done or return block 799, antimicrobial delivery
module 700 may conclude or may return to another process.
[0110] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method
performed by antimicrobial module-2 800, according to some
embodiments. Antimicrobial module-2 800 may be performed by, for
example, atmosphere control device(s), such as atmosphere control
device 200, according to some embodiments. Components of
antimicrobial module-2 800 may be performed by or with assistance
from a hardware accelerator, such as hardware accelerator module
210.
[0111] Antimicrobial module-2 800 may be performed instead of or in
addition to antimicrobial module 700.
[0112] At block 805, if not already performed by or in the course
of performance of other modules, such as by perishable-container
monitor module 400 and sample module 500, an antimicrobial sachet
may have been placed in a vacuum chamber containing perishables.
The antimicrobial sachet may contain a dose of antimicrobial,
potentially in combination with a carrier. The dose may be an
amount determined or intended to act as an antimicrobial during a
transit or storage period. Presence of the sachet in the vacuum
chamber may be recorded and noted by antimicrobial module-2 800,
such as in or via one or more antimicrobial 320 and/or container
325 record. The vacuum chamber may also be loaded with perishables
and sealed.
[0113] At block 810, if not already performed by or in the course
of performance of other modules, such as by perishable-container
monitor module 400 and sample module 500, the vacuum chamber
containing the sachet may be connected to a vacuum pump, such as
via vacuum tubes and the manifold, and to other components of
atmosphere control device 200, such as control system 111.
Connection to atmosphere control device 200 may be noted by
antimicrobial module-2 800, for example, a container 325 and/or
valve 320 record or the like.
[0114] At block 815, antimicrobial module-2 800 may open one or
more valves with respect to vacuum tubes between the vacuum pump
and the vacuum chamber, including via manifold. At block 815,
antimicrobial module-2 800 may further draw a low pressure in the
vacuum chamber with the vacuum pump. The low pressure may be
between 0 and 150 Torr 0 and 200 mbar or below a vapor pressure of
antimicrobial and/or below a vapor pressure of antimicrobial plus a
carrier. The low pressure may cause antimicrobial and/or
antimicrobial plus the carrier to sublimate and/or evaporate from
the antimicrobial sachet in the vacuum chamber. A portion of the
antimicrobial may adhere to perishables in the vacuum chamber; the
antimicrobial may inhibit growth of pathogens and microbes in the
vacuum chamber.
[0115] At block 820, antimicrobial module-2 800 may close valves or
other closure mechanisms between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum
pump, including with respect to manifold. Closure of the valves may
isolate the vacuum chamber and the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial from external air. The evacuated vacuum chamber may
then be shipped. Before and/or during shipment, the evacuated
vacuum chamber may also or alternatively be connected to control
system 111, as discussed herein, and other modules may be executed
with respect to the vacuum chamber, such as perishable-container
monitor module 400, sample module 500, oxygenation module 600,
antimicrobial module 700, and the like.
[0116] Upon occurrence of an interrupt or exit condition,
antimicrobial module-2 800 may proceed to done or return block 899.
At done or return block 899, antimicrobial module-2 800 may
conclude or may return to another process.
[0117] Atmosphere control device 200 may be provided by a range of
computational devices including one or more microprocessors,
microcontrollers, an embedded computer system, a server, a
workstation computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a
tablet computer (e.g., iPad.RTM., GalaxyTab.RTM. and the like), an
ultraportable computer, an ultramobile computer, a netbook computer
and/or a subnotebook computer; a mobile telephone including, but
not limited to a smart phone, (e.g., iPhone.RTM.,
Android.RTM.-based phone, Blackberry.RTM., Symbian.RTM.-based
phone, Palm.RTM.-based phone, etc.).
[0118] Embodiments of the operations described herein may be
implemented in a computer-readable storage device having stored
thereon instructions that when executed by one or more processors
perform the methods. The processor may include, for example, a
processing unit and/or programmable circuitry. The storage device
may include a machine readable storage device including any type of
tangible, non-transitory storage device, for example, any type of
disk including floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only
memories (CD-ROMs), compact disk rewritables (CD-RWs), and
magneto-optical disks, semiconductor devices such as read-only
memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamic and
static RAMs, erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs),
flash memories, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of storage
devices suitable for storing electronic instructions. USB
(Universal serial bus) may comply or be compatible with Universal
Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0, published by the Universal
Serial Bus organization, Apr. 27, 2000, and/or later versions of
this specification, for example, Universal Serial Bus
Specification, Revision 3.1, published Jul. 26, 2013. PCIe may
comply or be compatible with PCI Express 3.0 Base specification,
Revision 3.0, published by Peripheral Component Interconnect
Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG), November 2010, and/or later
and/or related versions of this specification.
[0119] As used in any embodiment herein, the term "logic" may refer
to the logic of the instructions of an app, software, and/or
firmware, and/or the logic embodied into a programmable circuitry
by a configuration bit stream, to perform any of the aforementioned
operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code,
instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded on
non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may be
embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that
are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.
[0120] "Circuitry", as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise,
for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry,
programmable circuitry such as FPGA. The logic may, collectively or
individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger
system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip
(SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers,
servers, smart phones, etc.
[0121] In some embodiments, a hardware description language (HDL)
may be used to specify circuit and/or logic implementation(s) for
the various logic and/or circuitry described herein. For example,
in one embodiment the hardware description language may comply or
be compatible with a very high speed integrated circuits (VHSIC)
hardware description language (VHDL) that may enable semiconductor
fabrication of one or more circuits and/or logic described herein.
The VHDL may comply or be compatible with IEEE Standard 1076-1987,
IEEE Standard 1076.2, IEEE1076.1, IEEE Draft 3.0 of VHDL-2006, IEEE
Draft 4.0 of VHDL-2008 and/or other versions of the IEEE VHDL
standards and/or other hardware description standards.
[0122] As used herein, a process corresponds to an instance of a
program, e.g., an application program, executing on a processor and
a thread corresponds to a portion of the process. A processor may
include one or more execution core(s). The processor may be
configured as one or more socket(s) that may each include one or
more execution core(s).
[0123] Following are non-limiting examples:
Example 1
[0124] An apparatus to control a vacuum chamber for perishable
commodities, comprising: a vacuum chamber to contain a perishable
commodity in a low pressure atmosphere, an atmosphere control
system coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein the atmosphere
control system comprises a vacuum pump, a sensor, a valve between
the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, and a computer processor
and a memory, and wherein the memory comprises a vacuum chamber
control module to control the vacuum chamber; wherein to control
the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control module is to control
the valve and the vacuum pump, sense with the sensor a condition of
the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, determine an
objective for the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber,
and influence the condition of the low pressure atmosphere toward
the objective.
Example 2
[0125] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the sensor
comprises at least one of an oxygen sensor, a carbon-dioxide
sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor and wherein the
low pressure comprises a gas pressure within the vacuum chamber
between 0 and 200 mbar.
Example 3
[0126] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum pump
and the vacuum chamber and wherein to sense with the sensor the
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, the
vacuum chamber control module is further to sense the condition of
an atmosphere in the manifold.
Example 4
[0127] The apparatus according to Example 3, wherein the valve is a
first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump and wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve
between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, and wherein the vacuum
chamber control module is further to close the second valve between
the vacuum chamber and the manifold, open the first valve between
the manifold and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to
evacuate the manifold to a gas pressure below a gas pressure of the
vacuum chamber, close the first valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, open the second valve between the vacuum chamber and
the manifold, allow the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum
chamber to equalize with the gas pressure below the gas pressure of
the vacuum in the manifold, and sense the condition of the
atmosphere in the manifold.
Example 5
[0128] The apparatus according to Example 3 or Example 4, wherein
the vacuum chamber control module is further bring the atmosphere
in the manifold to standard atmospheric pressure, sense the
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure and wherein to determine the condition of the low pressure
atmosphere in the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control module
is further to compensate the sensed condition of the atmosphere in
the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure based on having
brough the manifold to standard atmospheric pressure.
Example 6
[0129] The apparatus according to Example 5, wherein the sensor is
a carbon-dioxide sensor, wherein the carbon-dioxide sensor is
unreliable at low pressure, and wherein to compensate the sensed
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure based on having brough the manifold to standard
atmospheric pressure comprises to compensate the sensed condition
of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure
based on at least one of a volume of gas or a composition of gas
introduced into the manifold to bring it to standard atmospheric
pressure.
Example 7
[0130] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the objective
is to attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber and wherein the
vacuum chamber control module is further to introduce oxygen into
the vacuum chamber.
Example 8
[0131] The apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the valve is a
first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and
wherein the atmosphere control system further comprises a second
valve between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen source, and wherein
to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber
control module is to open the first valve between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate
the vacuum chamber to a low pressure to remove buildup of volatile
gases in the vacuum chamber, open the second valve between the
oxygen source and the vacuum chamber to introduce oxygen into the
vacuum chamber, close the second valve between the oxygen source
and the vacuum chamber, and activate the vacuum pump to pump excess
gas from the vacuum chamber.
Example 9
[0132] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the valve is a
valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the
objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber contains an
antimicrobial sachet, and wherein to introduce the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum
chamber control module is further to open the valve between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to
evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas pressure below a vapor
pressure of antimicrobial in the antimicrobial sachet and sublimate
or evaporate the antimicrobial, and close the valve between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.
Example 10
[0133] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein to introduce the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the
vacuum chamber control module is further to expose the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated in the antimicrobial
delivery chamber to a pressure below a vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated and thereby convert
the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated into the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial, and is to introduce the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
Example 11
[0134] The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the valve is
a valve between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and wherein to introduce the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control
module is further to open the valve between the oxygen source and
the antimicrobial delivery chamber and allow gas from the oxygen
source to flow through the antimicrobial delivery chamber and carry
the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial and the gas from the
oxygen source into the vacuum chamber.
Example 12
[0135] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the valve is a first valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold and wherein the atmosphere control system further
comprises a second valve between the manifold and the antimicrobial
delivery chamber and a third valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein to
introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber control module is further to
close the first valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold,
open the third valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump,
activate the vacuum pump to evacuate the manifold to a pressure
below a vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be sublimated
or evaporated, close the third valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, open the second valve between the manifold and the
antimicrobial delivery chamber to expose the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated to the pressure below the vaporization
pressure of the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated and to
sublimate or evaporate the antimicrobial, close the second valve,
and open the first valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold to introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber.
Example 13
[0136] A computer implemented method for controlling a vacuum
chamber for perishable commodities, comprising: with a vacuum
chamber to contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure
atmosphere and an atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum
chamber, wherein the atmosphere control system comprises a vacuum
pump, a sensor, a valve between the vacuum pump and the vacuum
chamber, controlling the valve and the vacuum pump, sensing with
the sensor a condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum
chamber, determining an objective for the low pressure atmosphere
in the vacuum chamber, and influencing the condition of the low
pressure atmosphere toward the objective.
Example 14
[0137] The method according to Example 13, wherein the sensor
comprises at least one of an oxygen sensor, a carbon-dioxide
sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor and wherein the
low pressure comprises a gas pressure within the vacuum chamber
between 0 and 200 mbar.
Example 15
[0138] The method according to Example 13, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum pump
and the vacuum chamber and wherein sensing with the sensor the
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
comprises sensing the condition of an atmosphere in the
manifold.
Example 16
[0139] The method according to Example 15, wherein the valve is a
first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump and wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve
between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, and further comprising
closing the second valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold, opening the first valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, activating the vacuum pump to evacuate the manifold to
a gas pressure below a gas pressure of the vacuum chamber, closing
the first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump, opening
the second valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold,
allowing the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber to
equalize with the gas pressure below the gas pressure of the vacuum
in the manifold, and sensing the condition of the atmosphere in the
manifold.
Example 17
[0140] The method according to Example 15 or Example 16, and
further comprising bringing the atmosphere in the manifold to
standard atmospheric pressure, sensing the condition of the
atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure and
wherein determining the condition of the low pressure atmosphere in
the vacuum chamber further comprises compensating the sensed
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure based on having brough the manifold to standard
atmospheric pressure.
Example 18
[0141] The method according to Example 17, wherein the sensor is a
carbon-dioxide sensor, wherein the carbon-dioxide sensor is
unreliable at low pressure, and wherein compensating the sensed
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure based on having brough the manifold to standard
atmospheric pressure comprises compensating the sensed condition of
the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure
based on at least one of a volume of gas or a composition of gas
introduced into the manifold to bring it to standard atmospheric
pressure.
Example 19
[0142] The method according to Example 13, wherein the objective is
to attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber and further
comprising introducing oxygen into the vacuum chamber.
Example 20
[0143] The method according to Example 19, wherein the valve is a
first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and
wherein the atmosphere control system further comprises a second
valve between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen source, and wherein
introducing oxygen into the vacuum chamber comprises opening the
first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump,
activating the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a low
pressure to remove buildup of volatile gases in the vacuum chamber,
opening the second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum
chamber to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber, closing the
second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum chamber, and
activating the vacuum pump to pump excess gas from the vacuum
chamber.
Example 21
[0144] The method according to Example 13, wherein the valve is a
valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the
objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber contains an
antimicrobial sachet, and wherein introducing the sublimated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises opening the valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, activating the
vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas pressure below
a vapor pressure of antimicrobial in the antimicrobial sachet and
sublimate or evaporate the antimicrobial, and closing the valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.
Example 22
[0145] The method according to Example 13, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein introducing the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber
comprises exposing the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated
in the antimicrobial delivery chamber to a pressure below a
vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be sublimated or
evaporated and thereby converting the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated into the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial, and introducing the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
Example 23
[0146] The method according to Example 22, wherein the valve is a
valve between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and wherein introducing the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises opening the valve
between the oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery chamber
and allowing gas from the oxygen source to flow through the
antimicrobial delivery chamber and carry the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial and the gas from the oxygen source into
the vacuum chamber.
Example 24
[0147] The method according to Example 13, wherein the atmosphere
control system further comprises a manifold between the vacuum
chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery chamber
containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, wherein
the valve is a first valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold and wherein the atmosphere control system further
comprises a second valve between the manifold and the antimicrobial
delivery chamber and a third valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein
introducing the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber comprises closing the first valve between the vacuum
chamber and the manifold, opening the third valve between the
manifold and the vacuum pump, activating the vacuum pump to
evacuate the manifold to a pressure below a vaporization pressure
of the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, closing the
third valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump, opening the
second valve between the manifold and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber to expose the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated
to the pressure below the vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated to sublimate or
evaporate the antimicrobial, closing the second valve, and opening
the first valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold and
introducing the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber.
Example 25
[0148] A computer apparatus controlling a vacuum chamber for
perishable commodities, comprising: with a vacuum chamber to
contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure atmosphere and an
atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum chamber, wherein
the atmosphere control system comprises a vacuum pump, a sensor, a
valve between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber, means to
control the valve and the vacuum pump, sense with the sensor a
condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber,
determine an objective for the low pressure atmosphere in the
vacuum chamber, and influence the condition of the low pressure
atmosphere toward the objective.
Example 26
[0149] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the sensor
comprises at least one of an oxygen sensor, a carbon-dioxide
sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor and wherein the
low pressure comprises a gas pressure within the vacuum chamber
between 0 and 200 mbar.
Example 27
[0150] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the
atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between the
vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber and wherein means to sense with
the sensor the condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the
vacuum chamber comprises means to sense the condition of an
atmosphere in the manifold.
Example 28
[0151] The apparatus according to Example 27, wherein the valve is
a first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump and wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a second valve
between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, and further comprising
means to close the second valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold, open the first valve between the manifold and the vacuum
pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate the manifold to a gas
pressure below a gas pressure of the vacuum chamber, close the
first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump, open the
second valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, allow the
low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber to equalize with the
gas pressure below the gas pressure of the vacuum in the manifold,
and sense the condition of the atmosphere in the manifold.
Example 29
[0152] The apparatus according to Example 27 or Example 28, further
comprising means to bring the atmosphere in the manifold to
standard atmospheric pressure, sense the condition of the
atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure and
wherein means to determine the condition of the low pressure
atmosphere in the vacuum chamber further comprises means to
compensate the sensed condition of the atmosphere in the manifold
at standard atmospheric pressure based on having brough the
manifold to standard atmospheric pressure.
Example 30
[0153] The apparatus according to Example 29, wherein the sensor is
a carbon-dioxide sensor, wherein the carbon-dioxide sensor is
unreliable at low pressure, and wherein means to compensate the
sensed condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard
atmospheric pressure based on having brough the manifold to
standard atmospheric pressure comprises means to compensate the
sensed condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard
atmospheric pressure based on at least one of a volume of gas or a
composition of gas introduced into the manifold to bring it to
standard atmospheric pressure.
Example 31
[0154] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the objective
is to attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber and further
comprising means to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber.
Example 32
[0155] The apparatus according to Example 31, wherein the valve is
a first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and
wherein the atmosphere control system further comprises a second
valve between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen source, and wherein
means to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber comprises means
to open the first valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum
pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a
low pressure to remove buildup of volatile gases in the vacuum
chamber, open the second valve between the oxygen source and the
vacuum chamber to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber, close
the second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum chamber,
and activate the vacuum pump to pump excess gas from the vacuum
chamber.
Example 33
[0156] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the valve is
a valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, wherein the
objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber contains an
antimicrobial sachet, and wherein means to introduce the sublimated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises means to open the
valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump, activate the
vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas pressure below
a vapor pressure of antimicrobial in the antimicrobial sachet and
sublimate or evaporate the antimicrobial, and close the valve
between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump.
Example 34
[0157] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the
atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery
chamber containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated,
wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein means to
introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber comprises means to expose the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated in the antimicrobial delivery chamber to a
pressure below a vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated and thereby convert the antimicrobial to
be sublimated or evaporated into the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial, and introduce the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
Example 35
[0158] The apparatus according to Example 34, wherein the valve is
a valve between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and wherein means to introduce the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises means to open the
valve between the oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and allow gas from the oxygen source to flow through the
antimicrobial delivery chamber and carry the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial and the gas from the oxygen source into
the vacuum chamber.
Example 36
[0159] The apparatus according to Example 25, wherein the
atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between the
vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial delivery
chamber containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated,
wherein the valve is a first valve between the vacuum chamber and
the manifold and wherein the atmosphere control system further
comprises a second valve between the manifold and the antimicrobial
delivery chamber and a third valve between the manifold and the
vacuum pump, wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein means
to introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber comprises means to close the first valve between the
vacuum chamber and the manifold, open the third valve between the
manifold and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate
the manifold to a pressure below a vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, close the third valve
between the manifold and the vacuum pump, open the second valve
between the manifold and the antimicrobial delivery chamber to
expose the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated to the
pressure below the vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated to sublimate or evaporate the
antimicrobial, close the second valve, and open the first valve
between the vacuum chamber and the manifold and introduce the
sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
Example 37
[0160] One or more computer-readable media comprising instructions
that cause a computer device, in response to execution of the
instructions by a processor of the computer device, to: with a
vacuum chamber to contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure
atmosphere and an atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum
chamber, wherein the atmosphere control system comprises a vacuum
pump, a sensor, a valve between the vacuum pump and the vacuum
chamber, control the valve and the vacuum pump, sense with the
sensor a condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum
chamber, determine an objective for the low pressure atmosphere in
the vacuum chamber, and influence the condition of the low pressure
atmosphere toward the objective.
Example 38
[0161] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the sensor comprises at least one of an oxygen sensor, a
carbon-dioxide sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor
and wherein the low pressure comprises a gas pressure within the
vacuum chamber between 0 and 200 mbar.
Example 39
[0162] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between
the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber and wherein sense with the
sensor the condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum
chamber comprises sense the condition of an atmosphere in the
manifold.
Example 40
[0163] The computer-readable media according to Example 39, wherein
the valve is a first valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump
and wherein the atmosphere control system further comprises a
second valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, and
further comprising and wherein the computer-readable media further
cause the computer device to close the second valve between the
vacuum chamber and the manifold, open the first valve between the
manifold and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate
the manifold to a gas pressure below a gas pressure of the vacuum
chamber, close the first valve between the manifold and the vacuum
pump, open the second valve between the vacuum chamber and the
manifold, allow the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
to equalize with the gas pressure below the gas pressure of the
vacuum in the manifold, and sense the condition of the atmosphere
in the manifold.
Example 41
[0164] The computer-readable media according to Example 39 or
Example 40, wherein the computer-readable media further cause the
computer device to bring the atmosphere in the manifold to standard
atmospheric pressure, sense the condition of the atmosphere in the
manifold at standard atmospheric pressure and wherein to determine
the condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
further comprises compensate the sensed condition of the atmosphere
in the manifold at standard atmospheric pressure based on having
brough the manifold to standard atmospheric pressure.
Example 42
[0165] The computer-readable media according to Example 42, wherein
the sensor is a carbon-dioxide sensor, wherein the carbon-dioxide
sensor is unreliable at low pressure, and wherein compensate the
sensed condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard
atmospheric pressure based on having brough the manifold to
standard atmospheric pressure comprises the computer-readable media
further causing the computer device to compensate the sensed
condition of the atmosphere in the manifold at standard atmospheric
pressure based on at least one of a volume of gas or a composition
of gas introduced into the manifold to bring it to standard
atmospheric pressure.
Example 43
[0166] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the objective is to attain an oxygen level in the vacuum chamber
and wherein the computer-readable media further cause the computer
device to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber.
Example 44
[0167] The computer-readable media according to Example 43, wherein
the valve is a first valve between the vacuum chamber and the
vacuum pump and wherein the atmosphere control system further
comprises a second valve between the vacuum chamber and an oxygen
source, and wherein to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber
comprises the computer-readable media further causing the computer
device to open the first valve between the vacuum chamber and the
vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum
chamber to a low pressure to remove buildup of volatile gases in
the vacuum chamber, open the second valve between the oxygen source
and the vacuum chamber to introduce oxygen into the vacuum chamber,
close the second valve between the oxygen source and the vacuum
chamber, and activate the vacuum pump to pump excess gas from the
vacuum chamber.
Example 45
[0168] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the valve is a valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum
pump, wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, wherein the
vacuum chamber contains an antimicrobial sachet, and wherein to
introduce the sublimated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber
comprises the computer-readable media causing the computer device
to open the valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump,
activate the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a gas
pressure below a vapor pressure of antimicrobial in the
antimicrobial sachet and sublimate or evaporate the antimicrobial,
and close the valve between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum
pump.
Example 46
[0169] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between
the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial
delivery chamber containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or
evaporated, wherein the objective is to introduce a sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber, and wherein to
introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber comprises the computer-readable media further
causing the computer device to expose the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated in the antimicrobial delivery chamber to a
pressure below a vaporization pressure of the antimicrobial to be
sublimated or evaporated and thereby convert the antimicrobial to
be sublimated or evaporated into the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial, and introduce the sublimated or evaporated
antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber.
Example 47
[0170] The computer-readable media according to Example 46, wherein
the valve is a valve between an oxygen source and the antimicrobial
delivery chamber and wherein to introduce the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber comprises the
computer-readable media further causing the computer device to open
the valve between the oxygen source and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber and allow gas from the oxygen source to flow through the
antimicrobial delivery chamber and carry the sublimated or
evaporated antimicrobial and the gas from the oxygen source into
the vacuum chamber.
Example 48
[0171] The computer-readable media according to Example 37, wherein
the atmosphere control system further comprises a manifold between
the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump and an antimicrobial
delivery chamber containing an antimicrobial to be sublimated or
evaporated, wherein the valve is a first valve between the vacuum
chamber and the manifold and wherein the atmosphere control system
further comprises a second valve between the manifold and the
antimicrobial delivery chamber and a third valve between the
manifold and the vacuum pump, wherein the objective is to introduce
a sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the vacuum chamber,
and wherein to introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial
into the vacuum chamber comprises the computer-readable media
further causing the computer device to close the first valve
between the vacuum chamber and the manifold, open the third valve
between the manifold and the vacuum pump, activate the vacuum pump
to evacuate the manifold to a pressure below a vaporization
pressure of the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated, close
the third valve between the manifold and the vacuum pump, open the
second valve between the manifold and the antimicrobial delivery
chamber to expose the antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated
to the pressure below the vaporization pressure of the
antimicrobial to be sublimated or evaporated to sublimate or
evaporate the antimicrobial, close the second valve, and open the
first valve between the vacuum chamber and the manifold and
introduce the sublimated or evaporated antimicrobial into the
vacuum chamber.
* * * * *